Land around the Mount Compass Golf Course has been rezoned from Neighbourhood Zone and Recreation Zone to Golf Course Estate Zone.

The decision from Planning Minister Josh Teague follows a code amendment process initiated by former Minister Vickie Chapman in 2021.

It was intended to protect the existing golf course while also supporting some complementary development, after community objection to a proposed housing development.

Public consultation on the code amendment was undertaken from 10 September to 22 October last year.

A letter to people who made submissions says the code amendment will introduce a concept plan to identify the location of the 18-hole golf course to help guide the location of associated land uses and activities. 

“The concept plan that identifies the golf course has been updated. The area has been expanded to the existing Recreation Zone boundary, excluding residential allotments already approved.”

Independent candidate for Finnis Lou Nicholson says the outcome of the code amendment is,“far from satisfactory”.

She attended a meeting of the Mount Compass Community Association (MCCA) last week, where the changes were outlined by Sally Roberts, Alexandrina Planning Manager.

“The approved re-zoning to ‘Golf Course Estate’ and weak concept plan opens the door for significant residential development.,” Ms Nicholson says. 

“Whilst I support considered development in general, together with the community and other stakeholders I share concerns for the sensitive ecological, environmental and cultural features of the land surrounding the golf course, the impact on the aquifer relied upon by the town, property values and features for current homeowners and potential impact on local infrastructure and services in this case.”

She says a representative of sitting Finnis MP David Basham read out a statement at the MCCA meeting, expressing his belief that the outcome was satisfactory.